California’s homeless crisis worsens: Safe Sleeping sites under fire for ‘atrocious’ conditions

San Diego, California – San Diego is facing legal scrutiny as four former residents of the city’s Safe Sleeping Program claim they were subjected to unlivable conditions and denied essential accommodations. The allegations, filed as formal claims against the city, accuse officials of violating civil rights by neglecting accessibility needs, failing to provide adequate shelter, and exposing residents to dangerous conditions.

The Safe Sleeping Program, which provides tent encampments as an alternative to living on the streets, has been a key part of the city’s response to homelessness. However, attorney Ann Menasche, who represents the former residents, says these sites are “atrocious and shock the conscience.”

“If homeless residents were dogs and cats subjected to these conditions, such a facility would be shut down,” Menasche told CBS 8.

The claims focus on the city’s B and O lot Safe Sleeping sites, where residents say they endured severe hardships. Among the grievances are reports of rat infestations, inadequate food, and a lack of security. One claimant said the overwhelming presence of rodents made their disabilities worse, while another described struggling to access essential medical care due to the site’s lack of proper accommodations.

One former resident, a woman with significant disabilities, stated that she was not receiving the three meals per day necessary for taking her medication. “Right now, we get an inadequate breakfast, no lunch, and a small dinner,” she said. She also requested a way to refrigerate food but was allegedly ignored.

Another resident, who relies on a trained hearing dog and uses a wheelchair, asked for an accessible path and face-to-face communication to accommodate his hearing impairment. Menasche claims the city did not respond to either request, effectively denying both individuals their legal right to accommodations.

City officials have pushed back against the accusations, calling them misleading. Matt Hoffman, a representative for San Diego, refuted Menasche’s past claims about site conditions, including a previous statement that rodents had been found in the program’s drinking water.

“There was no evidence of rodents found in drinking water at the O Lot Safe Sleeping site,” Hoffman said. While acknowledging the presence of some rodents near the water supply, he stated that the city took immediate action based on county health recommendations.

Hoffman defended the Safe Sleeping Program, saying it offers essential services such as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and medical care. He emphasized that the program is voluntary and designed to help people transition from crisis to stability.

“The majority of individuals report they had previously been sleeping in places that were not meant for habitation, like the street or other public spaces,” Hoffman said. “Those choosing to participate have access to meals, restrooms, showers, shuttle transportation, and basic medical care.”

Despite the program’s intent, San Diego still faces a severe shelter bed shortage. The most recent Point-in-Time count estimated that nearly 6,800 people are living on the city’s streets, while only 1,400 shelter beds exist. The two Safe Sleeping sites can accommodate over 700 tents, but the need far outweighs the available resources.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who participated in the 2025 homeless count, acknowledged that more shelter options are necessary.

“There were a couple of people that said they would go into a shelter if there were a shelter bed available,” Whitburn said in January. “Our shelters are at capacity right now, so we need to add shelter beds.”

Meanwhile, Menasche continues to argue that the city’s approach forces unhoused individuals into unsafe conditions.

“The city coerces its unhoused population into these camps by its threats of arrest and constant sweeps,” she said.

With the legal claims now filed, the city could soon be facing a lawsuit—one that may determine the future of San Diego’s controversial Safe Sleeping Program.